Development and Validation of a Job Exposure Matrix for Physical Risk Factors in Low Back Pain

S Solovieva, I Pehkonen, J Kausto, H Miranda, R Shiri, T Kauppinen, M Heliovaara, Lex Burdorf, K Husgafvel-Pursiainen, E Viikari-Juntura

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Abstract

Objectives: The aim was to construct and validate a gender-specific job exposure matrix (JEM) for physical exposures to be used in epidemiological studies of low back pain (LBP). Materials and Methods: We utilized two large Finnish population surveys, one to construct the JEM and another to test matrix validity. The exposure axis of the matrix included exposures relevant to LBP (heavy physical work, heavy lifting, awkward trunk posture and whole body vibration) and exposures that increase the biomechanical load on the low back (arm elevation) or those that in combination with other known risk factors could be related to LBP (kneeling or squatting). Job titles with simila Results: The matrix includes 348 job titles, representing 81% of all Finnish job titles in the early 2000s. The specificity of the constructed matrix was good, especially in women. The validity measured with kappa-statistic ranged from good to poor, being fair for most exposures. In men, all group-based (JEM) exposures were statistically significantly associated with one-month prevalence of LBP. In women, four out of six group-based exposures showed an association with LBP. Conclusions: The gender-specific JEM for physical exposures showed relatively high specificity without compromising sensitivity. The matrix can therefore be considered as a valid instrument for exposure assessment in large-scale epidemiological studies, when more precise but more labour-intensive methods are not feasible. Although the matrix was based on Finnish data we foresee that it could be applicable, with some modifications, in other countries with a similar level of technology.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
JournalPLoS One (print)
Volume7
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Research programs

  • EMC NIHES-02-65-02

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